Trump's Budget

[LDAHL]

Having seen some summaries, I have to say it's quite an extraordinary document. Even a flint-hearted conservative like me was taken a little aback. I'm fine with getting government out of the arts and broadcasting business, but meals on wheels? His military spending seems to emphasize hardware over training and maintenance, which tends to be the classic mistake in that area.

Of course, like so many before him, he seems to be ignoring the elephant in the room of entitlements.

[Rogar]

Of course, like so many before him, he seems to be ignoring the elephant in the room of entitlements.

Are the elephant entitlements you are thinking about SS and Medicare?

Like Ryancare or whatever they are calling it, the budget will be up for debate and change. I think T is starting with an extreme expecting compromise. Cutting Meals on Wheels is ridiculous. I have had relatives that have benefited immensely from it. Corporation for Public Broadcasting? Those are probably pocket change in the big scheme of things. Totally eliminating anything to do with global warming is egregious.

[iris lilies]

It is The Art of The Deal. Like Roger says, you start negotiations at a ridiculous number and move forward.

But anything that trims deficit spendng is a big win for me.

I am so mad at NpR's smug assessment of themselves that I would LIKE to see them cut. I do not think that our the government should subsidize left political talk radio anymore, even if it is fairly high quality. Its too bad, I was once a big supporter of NPR. i did send them $200 last week for their quarterly fundraising effort, but I have given more in the past.
If I could get acknowledgement from NPR that their programming is left leaning, that would go far toward me respecting them again.

[Rogar]

CPB and NPR/PBS has some fine distinctions that I've not totally sorted out. It does seem to possibly include 8 hours of children's education and entertainment programming each day and maybe things like Masterpiece and some of the good Burn's like history and education programs.

[Tenngal]

It is upsetting to think that meals on wheels and free lunches for kids would be cut.
There are so many children who will suffer if this passes.
I guess this is how the upper class do away with future competition?
It is disgusting.

[flowerseverywhere]

It is The Art of The Deal. Like Roger says, you start negotiations at a ridiculous number and move forward.

But anything that trims deficit spendng is a big win for me.

I am so mad at NpR's smug assessment of themselves that I would LIKE to see them cut. I do not think that our the government should subsidize left political talk radio anymore, even if it is fairly high quality. Its too bad, I was once a big supporter of NPR. i did send them $200 last week for their quarterly fundraising effort, but I have given more in the past.
If I could get acknowledgement from NPR that their programming is left leaning, that would go far toward me respecting them again.

do you see where deficit spending decreases? All the assessments I read said no.

[flowerseverywhere]

It is upsetting to think that meals on wheels and free lunches for kids would be cut.
There are so many children who will suffer if this passes.
I guess this is how the upper class do away with future competition?
It is disgusting.

not doing away with their competition, but eliminating those who are worthless to them. Survival of the fittest/rich white people.

[iris lilies]

do you see where deficit spending decreases? All the assessments I read said no.
You are likely right if there is a big military build up in the budget, I havent read analysis of the bottem line. But there are two things wrong with Trump and why I didnt vote for him, and one of them is that he is no fiscal conservative.

The rejiggered ACA is supposed to save around $337 Billion. That there is some dollars, but it wont pass.

[JaneV2.0]

not doing away with their competition, but eliminating those who are worthless to them. Survival of the fittest/rich white people.

Bannon is apparently a huge fan of social darwinism, according to staff leakage on Twitter: "House staffer‏ @AngryWHStaffer Mar 13
Bannon loves the fact that the AHCA would hurt people. He believes in a "only the strong survive" America. Talks about it often."

[Simplemind]

As a volunteer for Meals on Wheels it just made my heart hurt. For many, the meal I deliver is the only one they are eating and I am the only person they talk to face to face. They are lonely, they are hungry and also very very appreciative of every effort on their behalf. I no longer consider them clients. To me they are family. It always shocks me how few people know and understand the need. In so many cases their own neighbors don't know the dire straits they are in. Everybody is busy busy busy. Either they don't have family or family that doesn't feel compelled to help.

[creaker]

As a volunteer for Meals on Wheels it just made my heart hurt. For many, the meal I deliver is the only one they are eating and I am the only person they talk to face to face. They are lonely, they are hungry and also very very appreciative of every effort on their behalf. I no longer consider them clients. To me they are family. It always shocks me how few people know and understand the need. In so many cases their own neighbors don't know the dire straits they are in. Everybody is busy busy busy. Either they don't have family or family that doesn't feel compelled to help.

I volunteer regularly for a nonprofit that makes and delivers food to ill, homebound people, I'm not sure if/how they might be impacted.

[Teacher Terry]

The budget is disgusting and makes me sick. When I was in grad school I spent the summer taking food from one place to another depending on the need. You never knew how many kids would show up on a given day at which location. They would walk long distances for a cold sandwich, fruit and milk. On Fridays it was cold fried chicken which was a big hit. They did this because these kids depended on free lunch during the school year and it was important that they eat over the summer. Lack of food/nutrition can definitely impact intelligence. Adults were not allowed to eat but could come with the kids. I would take my kids outgrown clothes and lay them on a table for the kids to pick from and then all summer I would see them wearing my kids old clothes. My friends received meals on wheels when he was dying of cancer and too sick to cook for his wife with Alzheimer's. We need to protect the environment for future generations. There was a article today that in NV the number of children without health insurance has been cut in half thanks to the ACA. We need to spend more $ on military like we need to poke ourselves in the eye with a sharp stick. Ugh!!

[jp1]

As long as we can afford to pay for trump to fly to Florida every time he craves a round of golf, and for his wife to live as far away from him as she can (perfectly understandable on her part) we can afford meals on wheels.

[flowerseverywhere]

Another note about meals on wheels. When I delivered you realize how much they appreciate the visit and food. My quilt guild made a stack of placemats and the delivery people got to take them at the holidays to the clients. It seems minor, but they were so appreciated. To this day we make lots of placemats and they have a ton of fun picking them for each client to give as a holiday. Another thing I have always noticed is most of the delivery staff were lower to middle class driving less expensive cars, the kind of people who understand how simple acts of kindness can make a huge difference in someone's life. Such a selfish move to cut funding when our legislators have such excess.

[iris lilies]

Another note about meals on wheels. When I delivered you realize how much they appreciate the visit and food. My quilt guild made a stack of placemats and the delivery people got to take them at the holidays to the clients. It seems minor, but they were so appreciated. To this day we make lots of placemats and they have a ton of fun picking them for each client to give as a holiday. Another thing I have always noticed is most of the delivery staff were lower to middle class driving less expensive cars, the kind of people who understand how simple acts of kindness can make a huge difference in someone's life. Such a selfish move to cut funding when our legislators have such excess.

If adults with disabilties (age, mental, whatever type that keeps them from provid Ng food for the,selves) will go hungry if a Meals on
Wheels progeam is cut, that is unfortunate.

In my community, low level criminals serving out their "community service" stints deliver Meals on
wheels.

[iris lilies]

http://www.nationalreview.com/article/445878/meals-wheels-trump-budget-media-misleads-funding-cuts-kill-program

or maybe Meals on Wheels wont go away after all

[CathyA]

Another note about meals on wheels. When I delivered you realize how much they appreciate the visit and food. My quilt guild made a stack of placemats and the delivery people got to take them at the holidays to the clients. It seems minor, but they were so appreciated. To this day we make lots of placemats and they have a ton of fun picking them for each client to give as a holiday. Another thing I have always noticed is most of the delivery staff were lower to middle class driving less expensive cars, the kind of people who understand how simple acts of kindness can make a huge difference in someone's life. Such a selfish move to cut funding when our legislators have such excess.

That's a wonderful post, flowerseverywhere.

[CathyA]

Flowerseverywhere......on a lighter note, At first, I read you as saying "my guilt guild". ;)

[Simplemind]

Many of my clients have pets which are their only source of comfort and companionship. When you acknowledge their pets they are over the moon. We like to celebrate birthdays and holidays with them and will put together gift baskets for their pets as well. It often brings hugs and tears.
We started doing Meals on Wheels several years ago after my husband's stroke. I thought it would be good therapy for him to remember addresses, names and orders. I was only going to ride along the first few times. We got instantly hooked and we have been a team ever since. I have heard so many negative comments about that program from people who assume that people who receive it are slackers using the system. Only once in five years have we had somebody who was questionable. They investigated and took them off the program. Everybody else there is absolutely no question. Some just break my heart. I would adopt them all if I could and I take every opportunity that I can to talk up the program and try to recruit more volunteers. Kids love helping.

[Tammy]

That comment about social Darwinism is exactly right. This philosophy does not value people, especially if they are poor or powerless.

[catherine]

That comment about social Darwinism is exactly right. This philosophy does not value people, especially if they are poor or powerless.

To bring the budget around to my pet issue, the environment, social Darwinism isn't going to protect the elite from the toxic air and water that will ensue with the demolition of the EPA and the consequences of climate change. Maybe the poor will be disadvantaged at first (as always) but there's only so much you can do to outrun the devastation of our natural resources.

[ApatheticNoMore]

it will be social darwinism if it gets them, literally the dumbest most pathological people around are running things, fittest for nothing. Unfortunately they will take the rest of us and a whole bunch of other species down with them.

[Teacher Terry]

We have a homeless problem that has become worse due to lack of MH services, low wages and the rising costs of rents, etc. Today our Republican governor joined a few others to write to the President and congress etc about how the lack of funding that they are proposing would really hurt our homeless population. While some of our smaller shelters are run by charities etc our 3 big ones rely on government funding. We have a program where the cops identify some of the homeless and social workers go to talk to them and try to get them services. Some have died this winter when it got really cold because they would not go to a shelter or if they had a pet could not bring a pet. A man that was very MI was finally talked into going to the hospital where he had to have both his feet amputated due to extreme frostbite. To take $ away from these people is horrible.

[befree]

I agree with jp1, this budget makes me sick, not only just because of what's in it, but because Trump has cost us, the taxpayers, over $18million SO FAR on travel and extra security for 2 additional homes, one in NYC for a family that refuses to live in the White House, and Mar-A-Lago. We pay not only upfront, but actually put money into Trump's pockets because we're paying to rent space at Trump Tower and Mar-A-Lago The hypocrisy and complete lack of integrity from a man who wants to keep a pittance from children and the elderly, while grabbing taxpayer dollars with both hands, is sickening. And if we need to tighten our belts so much, I say we can't afford $20 billion from the taxpayers for a stinkin' wall.

[flowerseverywhere]

Teacher, Jp1, be free and everyone I so agree

yesterday I was in a small group of women. One mentioned how they record Colbert because he is so hilarious. Another said it made her so mad and physically sick that people were so anti Trump. I pressed her a little to see why she was standing behind him and she truly believes he will make our country safe and keep those immigrants and refugees out. It was a side of her I had not seen.

So then I asked how we could afford the wall he is proposing. She said by cutting foreign aid and money to freeloaders. Those damn children who get free lunch and those pesky old people who collect social security are such slackers, don't you think? And what about those starving children in Africa. We should keep our rice and beans right here in the US because they are black. After that comment I think I moved into the enemy bucket. Good thing because I probably should not be around her.

[Teacher Terry]

Flowers: I think you showed amazing restraint:~)

[ApatheticNoMore]

And what about those starving children in Africa. We should keep our rice and beans right here in the US because they are black.

this isn't exclusively what foreign aid is spent on, in fact only a small amount is spent on true humanitarian aid depending on what one includes. At the least:

"United States foreign aid is aid given by the United States government to other governments. It can be divided into two broad categories: military aid and economic assistance."

"In the 21st century, the US government operates five major categories of foreign assistance: bilateral development aid (the largest amount), economic assistance supporting U.S. political and security goals, humanitarian aid, multilateral economic contributions, and military aid"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_foreign_aid

now true humanitarian aid is children starving in Africa for instance. Economic assistance supporting U.S. and political goals may not always support what would be in the best interest of that country, at least it's sometimes criticized for this. Look at the lead countries on receiving foreign aid as well on that same Wikipedia page, more to the middle east (and even quite wealthy countries) than ever gets to Africa (black people not so much so - I suppose we imagine that our foreign aid goes to black people in the same way we imagine blacks are the only ones getting welfare - reality not so much so).

[flowerseverywhere]

Flowers: I think you showed amazing restraint:~)

the weird thing is I can give quite a bit of slack to people who are struggling. People who have lost good paying jobs, who have seen their standard of living lowered and pay more than ever for medical bills. Dragging yourself out of bed in the morning,to go to a low paying crappy job can be demoralizing. The picture the media and some politicians paint of all these refugees and immigrants who only want to take advantage of us has brainwashed some people and made them very hard hearted and resentful. I only hope they don't lose their health insurance. But in her case, she lives in a beautiful house, drives a Lexus, always has perfectly manicured nails, and was proudly showing off her daughters new house she bought as a single woman. What could you possibly be unhappy with? Does it kill you to share a little?

[flowerseverywhere]

this isn't exclusively what foreign aid is spent on, in fact only a small amount is spent on true humanitarian aid depending on what one includes. At the least:

"United States foreign aid is aid given by the United States government to other governments. It can be divided into two broad categories: military aid and economic assistance."

"In the 21st century, the US government operates five major categories of foreign assistance: bilateral development aid (the largest amount), economic assistance supporting U.S. political and security goals, humanitarian aid, multilateral economic contributions, and military aid"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_foreign_aid

now true humanitarian aid is children starving in Africa for instance. Economic assistance supporting U.S. and political goals may not always support what would be in the best interest of that country, at least it's sometimes criticized for this. Look at the lead countries on receiving foreign aid as well on that same Wikipedia page, more to the middle east (and even quite wealthy countries) than ever gets to Africa (black people not so much so - I suppose we imagine that our foreign aid goes to black people in the same way we imagine blacks are the only ones getting welfare - reality not so much so).

I agree, I was just showing my frustration. Millions of refugees wait for a chance for a life after fleeing their bombed out and dangerous homes. There have to be some that deserve a chance in our country. And the starving children in Africa. Can you imagine watching a child starve to death? But you are right, we are screwed up.

[Zoe Girl]

the weird thing is I can give quite a bit of slack to people who are struggling. People who have lost good paying jobs, who have seen their standard of living lowered and pay more than ever for medical bills. Dragging yourself out of bed in the morning,to go to a low paying crappy job can be demoralizing. The picture the media and some politicians paint of all these refugees and immigrants who only want to take advantage of us has brainwashed some people and made them very hard hearted and resentful. I only hope they don't lose their health insurance. But in her case, she lives in a beautiful house, drives a Lexus, always has perfectly manicured nails, and was proudly showing off her daughters new house she bought as a single woman. What could you possibly be unhappy with? Does it kill you to share a little?

The lack of compassion is what is really affecting me. I have a job coach I saw last week and her long term women's group is breaking up over all this. It is not because there is a disagreement as much as the total lack of compassion by the person is out of majority. The others in the group are sharing how some of the things that are happening are deeply personal, Their own families are immigrants, LGBTQ, non-white, low income and women. So there is a compassion gap, that is breaking my heart a little.

[LDAHL]

The current wailing and lamentations over the proposed budget confirms, in my mind, the aphorism (attributed to many different sources) that a government powerful enough to give us everything we want can also take everything we have.